Hafasu Tiankeng

Part of the enormous Aouk Underground River is a giant sinkhole – Hafasu Tiankeng.

Hafasu Tiankeng formed when the ceiling of a cave above the Aouk Underground River collapsed. Later river found a new course – also under the ground – further to the north and Hafasu Tiankeng now is not traversed by the river anymore. Two passages lead to the Aouk Underground River from Hafasu Tiankeng – Wor’n Su towards the north-west and Bocca del Mostro (the monster’s mouth) – towards north-east.

Hafasu Tiankeng is some 800 m long and some 250 m wide, its walls are some 100 m high. Area of the sinkhole is approximately 142,000 m², volume – approximately 12 – 15 million m³.

Its size exceeds 100 m and also the depth exceeds 100 m – thus this sinkhole can be considered to be a true tiankeng.

Nearby are two more giant sinkholes: Kuom Tiankeng and Keek sinkhole.

References

1. Papua 2017 Aouk Underground River – Acheloos Geo Exploring, Petzl. Accessed in 14 January, 2019
2. Andrea Benassi e Ivan Vicenzi, Papua 2017 Aouk Underground River – Acheloos Geo Exploring, cronache ipogee. Accessed in 16 January, 2019
3. Il Tiankeng dell’Aouk, Speleologia Casolana. Accessed in 16 January, 2019
4. Graham Mullan, News: Exploring Large River Caves in West Papua, Darkness Below. Accessed in 16 January, 2019

Coordinates:	0.9558 S 132.3303 E
Categories:	Sinkholes
Values:	Geology, Visual
Rating:	(3 / 5)
Address:	Asia, Indonesia, Western New Guinea, southern part of Tambrauw Regency, Aouk Underground River
Alternate name:	Hafasù Tiankeng
Depth:	approximately 100 m
Volume:	12 – 15 million m³

Landmarks of Indonesia

Indonesia is a true land of wonders. There are few other countries in the world which can offer similar array of diverse, unique and beautiful natural and cultural monuments.

Sinkholes

Category includes outstanding sinkholes – large natural depressions or holes, which for most part represent collapsed caves.

Recommended books

Caves

Bit by bit, over thousands or even millions of years, water carves and shapes rock into designs only nature could create. Deep in limestone or under a few feet of hardened lava, on an ocean coast or a sandstone cliff, a cave is a mysterious and fascinating place.

Indonesian New Guinea Adventure Guide: WEST PAPUA / IRIAN JAYA

In one of the last untamed places on Earth, Indonesian New Guinea’s snowcapped peaks tower above steaming rainforests and huge crocodiles stalk in thick mangroves ringing the island. Whether you lounge on the white beaches of Biak, or trek around Wamena, Indonesian New Guinea offers the adventure of a lifetime.